WOLVES and Brentford are moving closer to each other’s valuation of Nathan Collins.
SunSport revealed last week that the London club had had offers of £20.5million and £22m turned down for the 22-year-old.
The smaller amount matched what Wolves paid Burnley for Collins a year ago in what was a record fee for an Ireland player.
They have now made a third bid of £23m with some add-ons but Wolves are thought to be holding out for £25m upfront as they bid to ensure they comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
They have already moved to balance the books by selling Ruben Neves to Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal for a reported £47m.
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Negotiations over the Ireland defender are continuing with West Ham and Nottingham Forest also monitoring the situation.
Both are keen on the ex-Stoke City player. Neither has tabled a formal bid but that could change if and when Wolves accept a bid from Brentford.
Collins was a regular for Wolves in the first half of last season but Julen Lopetegui – appointed in November – dropped him in January and he did not regain his place in the starting XI until the final two games.
Although highly-rated, the club have strong competition at centre-back and believe that selling the Leixlip native for a profit represents good business.
Despite falling out of favour at Molineux, last week Collins scooped the FAI Player of the Year award for his performances over the past 12 months.
He made his competitive debut in the defeat against Armenia a year ago and, 10 days later, scored a stunning individual goal against Ukraine in Poland.
The former Cherry Orchard schoolboy bagged his second Ireland goal against Greece earlier this month.
